Top 10 Acupressure Points for Pain Relief & Other Problems

Acupressure therapy, sometimes called pressure acupuncture, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.

It involves applying pressure to acupressure points that lie along meridians in your body to promote relaxation and treat illnesses. There are more than 400 acupressure points on the body.

It is believed that vital energy called qi (chi) flows through these meridians or energy pathways. There are 12 major meridians that connect specific organs, thus organizing a system of communication throughout the body. Illness occurs when one or more of these meridians are blocked or out of balance.

Most Western practitioners, however, attribute the benefits of acupressure to factors like reduced muscle tension, improved circulation and stimulation of brain chemicals called endorphins that act as natural pain relievers.

Irrespective of the underlying reason for its effectiveness, several studies have found this alternative therapy beneficial for relieving certain aches and pains.

The acupressure points are to be pressed with moderate pressure for a few seconds up to a couple of minutes and then released. For best results, take slow, deep breaths as you hold the acupressure points.

Here are the top 10 acupressure points for relieving pains and other problems.

1. Joining the Valley-for Headaches

The Joining the Valley (LI 4) acupressure point is popular for getting rid of headaches. It also helps relieve toothaches, neck pain, shoulder pain, arthritis, constipation and hangovers.

This point is located in the fleshy area between the thumb and index finger, at the highest spot of the muscle when both the thumb and finger are brought close together. Press and massage this point for a couple of minutes and then repeat on the other hand. Do this as needed.

Note: Do not press this acupressure point during pregnancy.

2. Pericardium- for Nausea and Vomiting

The Pericardium (P6) acupressure point is considered useful for getting rid of nausea and vomiting caused by a variety of reasons including motion sickness, pregnancy, post-surgery and post-chemotherapy. It also relieves upset stomach, headaches, chest pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome pain and discomfort.

It is located between the two large tendons on the inside of your wrist, about three finger-widths below the base of your palm. Press the point with your index and middle fingers for a couple of minutes. Repeat several times, as needed. You can also get acupressure wristbands from a drug or health food store and use them.

3. The Third Eye- for Chronic Fatigue and Eye Strain

The Third Eye acupressure point (GV 24.5) is good for calming your mind, improving memory, relieving stress, chronic fatigue, headaches, eye strain and insomnia. It also helps relieve sinus pain and congestion. This point is considered beneficial for spiritual and emotional imbalances as well.

Close your eyes and locate the Third Eye pressure point on the knobby spot on the bridge of your nose between your eyebrows. Using your middle finger, gently press it for a few seconds to 1 minute and then release. Repeat several times a week.

4. Sea of Tranquility- for Emotional Healing

Also known as Conception Vessel 17 (CV 17), the Sea of Tranquility acupressure point helps restore a sense of calm and relieves anxiety, nervousness, depression, hysteria and other emotional imbalances. It also helps boost the immune system.

It can be easily located on the center of the breastbone, about four finger-widths up from the base of the bone. You can press this point when you are in the prayer position with your palms joined, fingers pointing upward, and the knuckles of the thumb pressing into the breastbone.

Make sure your spine is straight, preferably supported by a straight-back chair. Press it for a couple of minutes daily while taking slow, deep breaths. Continue for a few months.

5. Leg Three Miles- for Stomach Problems

The Leg Three Miles (ST 36) acupressure point is commonly used to improve digestive disorders including indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Plus, it boosts the immune system, fights fatigue, strengthens the body and promotes general wellness.

Bend your leg and place your fingers just below the knee cap, beginning with the index finger at the base of the knee cap. You will find the Leg Three Miles point at four finger-widths down from the base of the knee cap, where your little finger rests just to the outside of the shin bone.

Apply moderate to deep pressure on this point for a few seconds daily. You can press this point on both legs at the same time.

6. Commanding Middle- for Arthritis and Sciatica

This knee back acupressure point (B 54) is beneficial for reducing knee and back pain; stiffness in the back; arthritis in the knee, back and hips; and sciatica pain.

A study published online by the British Medical Journal in 2006 noted that acupressure may be more effective than physical therapy for relieving low back pain. The researchers also found that the effects of the therapy were not short term because, in fact, they lasted for six months.

Commanding Middle acupressure point is situated at the center of the backside of the knee cap. Gently press it for about 1 minute and then repeat on the other leg. Do this daily, as needed.

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Chitoo Okenwa

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